Who Invented IoT Devices?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a technological phenomenon that has revolutionized the way we live, work, and interact with each other. IoT devices, which connect ordinary objects to the internet, have become an integral part of our daily lives. But have you ever wondered who invented the first IoT devices?

The concept of IoT dates back to the 1980s, when the first sensor-equipped devices were developed. However, the term “Internet of Things” was coined in 1999 by Kevin Ashton, a British technology expert. Ashton, who was then the executive director of the Auto-ID Center at MIT, wrote an essay titled “That ‘Things’ Shall Be Known by Their Symbol” that introduced the concept of IoT.

In the early 2000s, the first IoT devices began to emerge. These were simple devices that could connect to the internet using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology. Some of the pioneers of IoT devices include:

1. Kisese Manufacturing: Kisese, a Finnish company, developed one of the first WiFi-enabled temperature sensors, called “SmartHome,” in 2002.
2. Nokia: In 2005, Nokia launched its “Connect & Share” platform, which allowed users to connect their devices to the internet and share data with other devices.
3. Intel: Intel, one of the largest technology companies in the world, launched its “Intel IoT Platform” in 2011, which enabled developers to create IoT devices using Intel’s microprocessors.
4. Allied Telesis: Allied Telesis, a Japanese company, introduced its “IoT Gateway” in 2012, which enabled devices to connect to the internet using cellular networks.
5. Samsung: Samsung, a South Korean technology giant, launched its “Artik” platform in 2014, which enabled developers to create IoT devices using Samsung’s microprocessors.

These early IoT devices were mostly simple sensors and actuators that could perform specific tasks, such as monitoring temperature or controlling lighting. However, they paved the way for the development of more sophisticated IoT devices that could perform complex tasks, such as:

• Data analytics
• Artificial intelligence
• Machine learning
• Predictive maintenance
• Automation

Today, IoT devices are used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Smart homes
• Cities
• Industries
• Agriculture
• Healthcare
• Transportation

While it is difficult to identify a single inventor of IoT devices, it is clear that the development of IoT devices involved the contributions of many individuals and companies over the past few decades. As the IoT continues to evolve and become more integrated into our daily lives, it will be exciting to see what new innovations and applications emerge.

In conclusion, while the concept of IoT dates back to the 1980s, the term “Internet of Things” was coined in 1999 by Kevin Ashton. The early IoT devices were developed in the early 2000s by companies such as Kisese, Nokia, Intel, Allied Telesis, and Samsung. Today, IoT devices are used in a wide range of applications and continue to shape the future of technology and society.